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Heat wave heading to Whidbey

Fourteen-month-old Michael Lloyd of Mount Vernon takes a dip in the Windjammer Park kiddie pool Thursday afternoon. The weekend forecast calls for temperatures in the mid-80s.

— image credit: Jenny Manning/Whidbey News-Times

Cue the summertime Motown, this weekend’s gonna be burnin’ like a “Heat Wave.”

“The hottest weather of the year is likely to occur this weekend and early into next week,” according to the National Weather Service.

All of western Washington will be affected, with high temperatures ranging from 85 to 90 degrees and nighttime lows of 60 degrees with no significant rainfall in sight.

“Dehydration will be an issue, so drink lots of fluids, primarily water. If you’re thirsty you have already began to dehydrate,” warns David Hollett, director of Island County’s Department of Emergency Management.

Multi-day heat waves increase the risk of heat related illness, wildfires and poor air quality, placing the very young and very old at risk for health complications.

Regardless of age, the National Weather Service cautions against strenuous exercise during the heat of the day and excessive caffeine and alcohol consumption.

Health isn’t the only concern during heat spells; wildfire danger and theft also pose safety issues. Open windows tend to invite home theft, according to the National Weather Service.

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